Improvement in grain thrashers and separators



' 2 Sheets-Sheet I. W. F. COCHRANE.

Grain Thrasher and Separator.

Patented Jany 14. 1862.

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Grain Thrasher and Separator.

No. 34,133. I Patented Jany 14. 1862.

5501M. MM fat tzuwzmaco UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

\VILLIAM F. OOOHRANE, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN GRAIN THRASHERS AND SEPARATORS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 34,133, dated January 14, 1862.

tain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Thrashing and Separating Grain, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which make part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 represents a view in perspective of a thrashing and separating machine embracing my improvements as seen from one side. Fig. 2 represents a similar view of the other side of the same with the cap of the thrashing-cylinder removed. In both of these figures the independent or adjustable frame which carries the thrashing and separating mechanisms is shown as lowered upon the main frame. Fig. 3 represents a plan or view of the bottom of the machine inverted; and Fig. t represents a vertical longitudinal section through the machine at the line 0 0 of Fig. 3, the independent or adjustable frame being raised upon the main frame.

Machines for thrashing and separating grain may be divided into two classes, in one of which the grain falls directly from the screens upon the ground or into a suitable receptacle, while in the other it falls upon a conveyer, which carries it to an elevator, by which it is carried to a bagging apparatus. It is to the latter class that the improvements which form the subject-matter of this patent more particularly relate. In these machines (of which that known as Pitts thrasher and separator may be taken as a type) the grain, after passing the riddles or screens, falls into a trough in which a screw works. This screw conveys the grain horizontally across the machine and drops it into an inclined trough, down which it slides into an elevator, by which it is lifted into an apparatus, by which it is measured and deposited in bags. It will readily be seen from this description that this mode of construction involves the use of, complex and costly gearing, requires considerable power to drive it, and causes the grain to traverse a long distance unnecessarily, all of which are serious drawbacks to the successful working of a machine.

It is the object of my invention to obviate the above-mentioned and other defects inci-.

dent to this class of machines as heretofore constructed; and to this end my improvements consist, first, in a creeping -cloth or endless apron arranged to traverse across the machine to receive the grain as it falls from the shoe and convey it to a bagging apparatus, whereby I am enabled to dispense with the screw conveyer and elevator heretofore used, to simplify the machine, to diminish the power required to drive the mechanism, and

to reduce the distance traversed by the grain during the process; secondly, in combining a creeping-cloth, a fan-shaft, and a vibrating shoe in such manner that the former shall occupy a position between the two latter, the whole being driven from the fan-shaft; thirdly, in combining a creeping-cloth, a fan-shaft, and a vibrating shoe with an adjustable or independent frame in such manner that their relative position shall remain unchanged, notwithstanding the adjustment of the frame.

To carry out the objects of my invention I use a stout frame to sustain and inc-lose the mechanism. The gearing I prefer to mount in a stout frame or stand resting upon the base of the machine in a central position. The thrashing-cylinder may be constructed and arranged upon the frame in any convenient manner, as also the grain-belt and beater-shaft which drives the separating mechanism. I prefer to drive both the thrashingcylinder and beater-shaft by means of pulleys on each end of their respective shafts and on the counter-shaft, so that each shall be driven directly from the counter-shaft and independently of the other. A vibrating shoe provided with suitable screens is arranged beneath the grain-belt in such position as to receive the grain as it falls from the grain-belt. A fan is also arranged in a proper position for winnowing the grain ef fectively as it passes the screens. A creeping-cloth or endless apron, moving transversely across the frame, is placed beneath the shoe to receive the winnowed grain and convey it to the side of the machine, where it may be discharged into a bagger.

In the accompanying drawings (which repsent a convenient arrangement of parts for carrying out the objects of my invention) the main frame is shown as consisting of strong timbers A, connected by suitable braces and securely fastened together.

The gearing through which motion is communicated to the thrashing and separating mechanism has its bearings in a solid stand B, of cast-iron, resting on the base of the frame.

The thrashing cylinder and separating mechanism in this instance are represented as contained within a stout frame E, which fits snugly within the main frame and is capable of sliding freely up and down in the arc of a circle of which the pivot e forms the center.

A'band from the beater-shaft G drives the grain-belt H. Avibrating shoe I is arranged beneath the grain-belt in the proper position to receive the grain as it falls from the grainbelt and is provided with suitable screens.

A creepingcloth or endless apron J is arranged to traverse across the frame just beneath the vibrating shoe to receive the grain from the shoe and convey it to a bagger. This cloth is represented in the drawings as being horizontal; but it may be inclined at a slight angle, if desired.

A shaft K, which carries the fan, is located in front of the creeping-cloth. The fan and its case are not shown in the drawings; but their position is sufficiently indicated by that of the shaft K. This shaft is driven from a pulley on one end of the beater-shaft G. A spur-Wheel on the fan-shaft drives a shaft j, which carries the creeping-cloth. The vibrating shoe is also actuated by a crank j on this shaft.

A creeping-cloth possesses many advantages over any other form of conveyerin the peculiar position in which it is required to work, as will be obvious at a glance to those familiar with this class of machines. For instance, were a screw conveyor employed it would occupy a much greater space perpendicularly than the cloth and would require more power to drive it. It Will also be seen that I dispense entirely with the elevator heretofore used and all its cumbersome appendages and convey the grain directly from the shoe to the bagger in a horizontal plane. Moreover, my improvements, although applicable to machines of the old form, afford peculiar facilities to the employment of an adjustable frame, such as shown in the drawings.

A detailed description of the construction and operation of the other parts of the machine is deemed superfluous, as they form no part of the subject-matter claimed under this patent. Moreover, such parts as are not familiar to all skillful constructers of thrashing-machines are fullydescribed in two specifications marked, respectively, A and B, filed simultaneously with this one.

What I claim under this patent as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A creeping-cloth arranged transversely across the machine to convey the winnowed grain directly from the vibrating shoe to the Dagger.

2. The combination of a vibrating shoe, a creeping-cloth, and a fan-shaft, substantially in the manner described.

3. The combination of a creeping-cloth, a fan-shaft, and a vibrating shoe with an adjustable or independent frame, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

WILLIAM F. COCHRANE.

Witnesses:

B. H. WARDER, WM. D. BALDWIN. 

